Plastics to Avoid

1. Steer Clear of PVC vinyl (#3), whose manufacture and incineration releases carcinogenic dioxins into the environnment and food chain. PVC often contains lead, and toxic plasticizers such as phthalates that can migrate into food, water, air and our mouths.

2. Avoid plastics that leach chemicals suspected of disrupting hormone functions: #3 (PVC), #6 (PS), #7 ("Other," often polycarbonate).

Safer, Sounder Plastics

1. When choosing plastic containers, even those you'll use over and over again, choose those that are accepted for recycling in your area. The most commonly recycled plastics are #1 (PETE) or #2 (HDPE).

2. Choose non-PVC cling wrap (such as Glad and handiWrap).